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Negotiations Delayed, Syria’s Future Uncertain

10/6/16 | Jacob Straub | Regular Correspondent

On the Surface

On Sunday, September 4th, Secretary of State John Kerry issued a public statement explaining that negotiations have stalled between the United States and Russia regarding the ceasefire in Syria. Currently, the Russian-backed Syrian government continues to clash with U.S.-supported rebels. An estimated 11 million Syrians have fled their homes since its outbreak.

Why is the deal being delayed?

Secretary Kerry said that the talks have been suspended over a few “technical” issues, but will be resumed Monday. The United States and Russia hope to form a military partnership targeting extremist groups operating in Syria, but the two powers have conflicting views about what falls in this category. As Kerry put it, “An awful lot of technical things have been worked out, a lot of things are clear, but there still remain, as I say, a couple of tough issues,”

Why is the deal being created?

According to a CBS News and New York Times poll, 68% of Americans believe that the United States does not have a responsibility to aid in the Syrian civil war. Both Russia and the United States want to end the fighting in order to bring humanitarian aid to the millions of displaced Syrians caught in the crossfire. In addition, the two powers believe that extremist groups such as ISIS and Al Qaeda need to take priority over the Syrian conflict.